“The hens have been there since July, so for more than seven months and have probably learned to defend themselves.”

Apparently, no chickens were found to have been injured during the incident.

It is thought the fox entered at dusk and then become trapped inside by light-controlled automatic doors that close when the sun goes down.

Regional paper France Oest quoted a wildlife expert from Brittany who said they were “surprised” by the turn of events.

They said: “There may be a group effect, but also other reasons – the fox was young so inexperienced. It could already be weakened, even injured, and we know that chickens will confront a weak animal with no vigor.”